Ellie the Elephant is securing the bag (as usual)

Even in the offseason, Ellie the Elephant is keeping New York energy alive. 

The latest development? Ellie just recently became a New York Times Family Subscriber along with three members of her Timeless Torches dancers, and she’s diving right in: catching up on Style for next season’s tunnel-look inspo, listening to Popcast for her music fix, baking her way through NYT Cooking (current favorite: Butterscotch Banana Cream Pie), and keeping her Wordle streak alive.

To celebrate, Ellie joined members of the Timeless Torches who posed on The Times’s four-person bike at NYT HQ, a nod to The Times’s Family Bike Tour wrapping up this week in Chicago. Ellie and the Torches also danced their way through the Times' office and had fun playing Wordle. We caught up with Ellie to learn more about the event and what else she has been up to lately.

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SN: Why did you decide to join the New York Times family subscription?

Ellie:  The New York Times family subscription is an amazing way for the Timeless Torches, aka my “TTs” and I to stay connected and up to date on the latest and greatest while we're tapped in this offseason. It may be the offseason, but we’re always ON! We like comparing notes from the latest dance review in the Arts section and staying up to date through the W offseason with The Athletic.

SN: What was it like visiting Times HQ?

Ellie:  My TTs and I had a blast at The New York Times headquarters; we were so excited when they invited us to stop by! Taking a field trip from Barclays Center to The Times building was a fun change of pace, we couldn’t help but turn a regular office visit into a full-on mini dance party between meetings, of course! It was so inspiring to see where all the magic happens, from the Style section, my personal fav, to Wordle that challenges us every day, and the recipes we love to try out. 

SN: What are some of your favorite viral moments from this year?

Ellie:  It was a big year for your girl on and off the court! It all came together for me during New York Fashion Week this year. For the Liberty’s last regular-season home game, I always let the fans vote on which iconic performance I should bring back for halftime, and this year they voted for me to perform as Ellie J. Blige. I spent mad hours studying Mary J. Blige’s performances and rehearsing with Torch Patrol and Timeless Torches before the big halftime show. You should have heard the crowd when I stepped out as Ellie J. Blige! Everybody and their mama reposted me on the BLOGS! It BLEW UP! Then, a few days later, I was seated front row at my first New York Fashion Week show (Thanks to Off-White, I was the first mascot invited to New York Fashion Week), dressed head to tail in custom Off-White, and lo and behold, who do I run into but Mary J. Blige herself! We shared a sweet moment before the show. She told me she loved my performance and that I had her thinking it was her performing. The fashion world really knows how to make an elephant feel special. 

Off the court, I really Ellie-vated with the Liberty’s partners! When we announced Essie as the Official Nail Polish Partner of the New York Liberty, I got my first manicure and became Essie’s first celebrity spokesperson! The nails really do complete my look – whether game day or a red carpet! I also starred in campaigns and content for our partners like Lyft, Away, Flamingo, and so many more. I look forward to continuing to grow my profile and bring more fans into the Liberty family!

SN: How did this season go for you?

Ellie:  This season was so groundbreaking for me. I graced magazine covers, had an iconic birthday, lookalike contests, and performed tributes to Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and Mary J. Blige. Words can’t even CAPTURE the TIME that was had at Barclays Center. Liberty fans and our game day entertainment are UNMATCHED. Talking about it now has me amped for next season, our 30th anniversary season! You can bet that my team and I are working hard to make next season the best one yet. 

SN: What is next on the agenda?

Ellie:  Turn to your neighbor and say, BOOKED. Your girl stays booked and that’s why The New York Times Family subscription is the best: I’m scanning The New York Times Style coverage and the latest Popcast episodes, from my sprinter on my way to my next event! It’s all going to come together this offseason as we prepare for our biggest season yet! We’re already hard at work, so I don’t want to give away too much detail. But there’s one thing you can always count on: I’m always coming STOMPING!